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The 6-day cruise aboard Eclipse focuses on the Southeastern Galapagos Islands of Santa Cruz, South Plaza, San Cristobal, Espanola and Floreana. See where Charles Darwin first stepped foot on the Archipelago, encounter flamingos and blue-footed boobies... all aboard the luxury Eclipse.

The Eclipse 6-day/5-night cruise itinerary comprises the first six days of the 8-day Genovesa itinerary. There are two unique 8-day Eclipse itineraries to choose from that can also be combined to create a 15-day all-encompassing itinerary, as well as shorter 4- or 5-day routes. Click on the following links to view the alternate Eclipse itineraries available. Contact our Galapagos cruise experts if you have any questions.

Eclipse Genovesa 8 day/7 night
Eclipse Espanola 8 day/7 night
Eclipse 5 day/4 night
Eclipse 4 day/3 night
Eclipse Cruises Main Page

Day 1 - SAT - Baltra to North Seymour

Arrive at the airport in Baltra and transfer to the dock for check-in, introductory briefing & safety drill before lunch. The afternoon will be spent at North Seymour, the perfect introduction to the Galapagos Islands. Although the island is characterized by arid vegetation, fauna abounds and you will soon find yourself surrounded by sea lions, blue-footed boobies, land iguanas, frigates and more. Return to the ship for a welcome cocktail and dinner.

Accommodations: Eclipse
Included Meals: lunch and dinner

Day 2 - SUN - South Plaza & Santa Fe Island

Wake up and enjoy breakfast before heading to South Plaza Island. Although quite small, is actually home to a large Opuntia cacti forest, land iguanas and one of the largest sea lion colonies in the central region of the archipelago. An endemic plant, Sesuvium, inhabits this island and is a great climate indicator as its color is a greenish-yellowish during the rainy season and a bright red during the dry season. You will also be able to see Nazca boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, other kinds of sea birds as well as different types of finches.

Spend the afternoon at Santa Fe. Formed by uplifting, rather than by a volcano, Santa Fe is known for having one of the most beautiful coves in all the Galapagos. Some of the island’s endemic species include the Galapagos hawk, Galapagos snake, rice rats, different types of finches and the Galapagos mockingbird. The visit includes a hike on a trail past salt bushes where Galapagos hawks as well as the Santa Fe land iguanas tend to roam. Playful sea lions will usually accompany swimmers and snorkelers during beach time.

Accommodations: Eclipse
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - MON - Punta Pitt & Cerro Brujo (San Cristobal)

Spend the morning at Punta Pitt, which is composed of volcanic bluff substrate and is located on the eastern tip of San Cristobal Island. This is the only site in Galapagos where one may have the opportunity to see all three species of boobies and both species of frigates. Hike up to a plateau (at 2.5 hours, the longest hike of the cruise) where the view and landscape are so spectacular it is definitely worth the effort. Make sure you keep your eyes peeled as the red-footed booby is not as easy to spot because they prefer to nest in areas of thick brush. After the hike, enjoy kayaking, snorkeling and panga rides at Punta Pitt.

This afternoon will be spent at Cerro Brujo. Located on the north coast of San Cristobal Island, this eroding tough cone offers a fantastic landscape as well as wonderful swimming, snorkeling and panga ride experiences. Cerro Brujo’s gorgeous beach is also home to many sea lions and it’s the first coast where Charles Darwin first stepped foot on the Archipelago! You will also see a beautiful lagoon used by the locals of Baquerizo Moreno Port for salt mining as well as two different species of halophytes (rare plants that grow in soils with a high salt content).

Accommodations: Eclipse
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - TUE - Post Office Bay & Cormorant Point (Floreana)

This morning's excursion will be on Floreana, one of the Galapagos most famous, or shall we say, “infamous” islands due to many strange stories regarding past settlers. There are many wonderful and diverse sites to visit including Post Office Bay and the Baroness’s Viewing Point. Marine life also abounds in Floreana’s coastal regions making it a fantastic site for snorkeling. Flamingos also populate the island and may be seen during your visit. The Baroness’s Viewing Point is the perfect place to take in the special environment that defines Floreana, and a great spot reflect on the intriguing history of the Baroness and her three lovers! In the 18th century whalers passing through the islands placed a wooden barrel on Floreana Island for use as an unofficial mail box. The tradition continues today at Post Office Bay as visitors leave addressed postcards in the barrel and sort through left mail to deliver at home. This is one of the archipelago’s most famous spots. For the more adventurous guests, there is an option for a visit inside a lava tunnel.

This afternoon snorkel or take a Panga ride at Champion Islet, followed by an excursion to Cormorant Point. A great site for bird-watching, Cormorant Point has a large lagoon where everything from flamingos to stilts and pintail ducks can be observed. The beach nearby is also quite special and known as the “Green Beach,” named so due to its green color, which comes from a high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand.

Accommodations: Eclipse
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - WED - Elizabeth Bay & Moreno Point (Isabela)

Isabela Island's Elizabeth Bay is one of the farthest points of the Galapagos visited on this cruise. Enter a sheltered cove accessible by panga only – a wonderful mangrove ecosystem that is a refuge for sea turtles, rays, blue-footed boobies, penguins, herons and more. Moreno Point is located just southwest of Elizabeth Bay on the west coast of Isabela Island. Observe and learn about different types of lava and pioneer plants while being surrounded by some of the most incredible scenery that Galapagos has to offer. In the tide pools, green sea turtles or white-tip sharks can be spotted. Afterwards enjoy a panga ride along the striking rocky shores observing penguins, sea lions, blue footed boobies and marine iguanas.

Accommodations: Eclipse
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - THR - Charles Darwin Station (Santa Cruz) & Disembark Baltra

After breakfast on board, transfer from the Eclipse yacht to Puerto Ayora via panga. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station accompanied by a guide. After a quick yet informative visit here, take your escorted transfer to the Baltra airport for departure back to mainland Ecuador.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast

GALAPAGOS CRUISE INCLUSIVE PACKAGE: For your convenience we offer an Inclusive Package with three nights hotel accommodations in Quito or Guayaquil, all airport/hotel transfers, Galapagos flights, Galapagos National Park entrance fees and taxes, Galapagos migration card and your Galapagos cruise. View details of our Galapagos Cruise Inclusive Package.

Travelers not interested in our inclusive package must purchase Galapagos flights in conjunction with their Galapagos cruise.

GALAPAGOS CRUISE CUSTOM PACKAGE: If you are booking a cruise-only program our experts can assist with hotels, transfers, flights and tours. Contact AdventureSmith Explorations about customizing your tour or the possibilities of combining this trip with our Mainland Ecuador and Peru: Machu Picchu extensions. We are Galapagos cruise and Ecuador travel experts and our staff can help you customize the perfect Galapagos cruise or Ecuador tour package.

Itinerary Notes: Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, National Park regulation or at the captain's discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

This cruise is subject to availability and not available on holiday departures. If you'd like to book this 6-day cruise on a holiday, 7-night regular-season rates apply, as does a peak/holiday surcharge of $400 per person. Peak season 2012: Dec 22 and 29. Peak season 2013: March 23-30, Dec 21-28 and Dec 28-Jan 4.

Included: Accommodations aboard the Eclipse, all shore excursions with English-speaking guides, soft drinks and juices on board, VIP lounge at Baltra airport on outbound flight from Galapagos, use of snorkel equipment, use of 3mm "shorty" wet suits, complimentary one time fully stocked mini bar in Deluxe Staterooms, shared transfers between Baltra airport and the Galapagos dock upon arrival and departure.

Exclusions: Fuel Surcharge $260 USD per person ($150pp 4/5-day, $520pp 15-day); International airfare; Airfare from mainland Ecuador; Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee ($100 per adult, $50 for children under 12 years old. This can be paid directly by passengers [cash only] or it is included in our INCLUSIVE PACKAGE TOURS), Galapagos National Institute Migration Control Card ($10 per person); departure tax ($40.80), Gratuities for guides, crew, drivers or local staff; alcoholic beverages; other personal expenses; medical services or insurance of any kind. All holiday sailings incur the 8-day regular season rate, plus a $400 per person surcharge. Peak/holiday season 2013: March 23-30, Dec 21-28 and Dec 28-Jan 4.

Room Configurations: There are two "single" cabins aboard the Eclipse. If the single cabins are not available, travelers can book a double room at 1.5X the double rate for Staterooms and 2X the double rate for Superior and Deluxe Staterooms. Some Deluxe staterooms are available as a triple cabin for three travelers. The third adult in a Deluxe Stateroom will be charged the twin Stateroom rate. A child sharing with two adults in a Deluxe Stateroom is charged the twin Stateroom rate less the child discount.

Families & Children: Children under 12 sharing a cabin with an adult receive a discount of 25% (not available on holiday departures). Families traveling with children under 12 can be accommodated in select Triple Deluxe Cabins, which have a bed for a third traveler. Minimum child age is 7 years old, except on designated family departures where the minimum age is 4 years old. Only one child discount applies in triple cabins.

Special family departures aboard the Eclipse are designed with kids in mind. Cabins are prepared with colorful amenities such as kid-friendly toothbrush holders and Galapagos themed stuffed animals - theirs to keep! A special Child Coordinator, a certified Galapagos Naturalist Guide, organizes discovery and learning exercises, which children can record in their own special logbook. Child-friendly menu selections and special nights like Make Your Own Pizza and Ice Cream Festivals are available. Various activities will be coordinated according to group ages, preferences and dynamics: movie night, game night, coloring, captain's presentation at the stern and more.

Arrival & Departure: Most flights to the Galapagos will depart Quito or Guayaquil between 7:00am-9:00am on day 1 and return between 2:00pm-5:00pm on the final day. We highly recommend travelers arrive Ecuador 2 days prior to their Galapagos cruise.

Payment & Cancellation: Cruise prices, fuel surcharge, National Park fee and TCT are subject to change without prior notice. A cruise deposit of $700 per person is required at the time of booking. For land packages a deposit of $300 per person is required at the time of booking. A Reservation Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Cancellations are subject to the following per-person fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 121 days - deposit will be refunded, minus $200 service charge
120 to 61 days - all deposits non-refundable
60 days or less - 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance. Please note that you must purchase your travel insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions. Click the link below for a selection of policies from our partners at Travelex.



Activities: There are numerous opportunities to swim, kayak and snorkel; no previous experience required. The underwater experience is an integral part of any Galapagos cruise. We encourage all travelers to try snorkeling. Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins, floating vest and net bag), kayaks and shortie wet suits are provided on the Eclipse. According to National Park regulations, kayaking is only permitted at certain sites with a maximum number of 8 passengers in 4 double kayaks.

Qualifications: Guests aboard Eclipse Galapagos small ship cruises should be in good physical health in order to be able to make the most of their Galapagos cruise. Visiting the different islands involves the use of small motorized dinghies, or pangas as they are locally known, and there are some landings on wet and slippery lava rocks. The daily nature treks may include walking on irregular and elevated terrain and getting in and out of the pangas occasionally requires some physical effort. If a passenger suffers from any medical condition, we advise consulting a physician prior to booking the cruise.


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